Are pugs good dogs for seniors? If you’re looking for a companion for an elderly person you know, you’re in the right place. In this article, we are going to explore why Pugs make the best dogs for seniors and I’ll share some tips on how to choose the best dog for your golden years.
Are Pugs Good Pets for Seniors?
Pugs are great companion dogs that don’t require a ton of daily exercise. This breed is extremely adaptable to any environment and will be happy sitting on your lap watching your favorite shows.
They do well with apartment living, urban housing environment, in fact, they can be adjustable to almost any kind of environment.
We’ll take a look at some of the best dogs for seniors, but first, let’s look at some of the reasons the pug is the best dog breeds for seniors. But first you should read this to understand the average lifespan of a Pug dog.
5 Reasons Pugs Are Good Dogs for Seniors
The benefits of dog ownership for seniors outweigh are huge. Having a pet can help with emotional, mental, and physical health. Furry companions are great for the body and soul and can keep an elderly person younger.
If you have an elderly person in your life or know someone who has just been widowed, here’s why a Pug is a perfect pet for seniors, retirees, or anyone looking for a loyal, lovable dog.
#1 Loving and Affectionate
Pugs are extremely lovable and loyal. Unlike cat’s that only want to be pet when they feel like it, they are extremely affectionate and won’t turn down a good belly rub. They are one of the best companion dogs that will provide unconditional love.
They are a little clingy and will stare at you and quickly become your shadow. So you’ll need to be sure you don’t trip over them. I tripped over Mindy a few times because she was always right beside me.
#2 Low Maintenance
You will have to groom them and clean their wrinkles, ears and brush them. That’s why I recommend getting a good grooming brush, to help with the shedding.
However, unlike a Poodle that requires a lot of grooming. As long as you brush your pug on a regular basis, they will be fine. Just know that they have a tendency to stink, so you’ll want to be sure to give them a bath once in a while.
#3 Low Energy
Pugs are a calm dog breed that enjoys spending their days napping. They don’t require a lot of energy. In fact, they will do great with a quick 30-minute walk in the early morning or evening hours. Make sure you have a good harness as they don’t do well with collars.
Read this article if you want to know which collars to use with a Pug.
Read: Are Pugs Low Energy?
A morning or evening walk will be beneficial to both you and your pet. It will help you keep active, which can help lower your risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and colon cancer. Your pet will get the benefit of spending time with you bonding and getting in their dose of daily exercise.
This is one of the best dogs to own if you’re looking for a lap dog. They love to cuddle and will be happy sitting on your lap while you watch TV, taking naps with you, and just being around you.
You do need to make sure they get at least 30 minutes of exercise a day to maintain good health and prevent obesity. However, this breed will do great in an exercise pen if you don’t feel like going for a walk.
#4 Small in Size
As a senior, a small dog breed is the best. You don’t want to worry about your dog pulling you and causing injury while walking them. You also want to avoid the most aggressive dog breeds that can cause harm, here’s a list of the dogs to avoid.
Pugs are NOT aggressive and you don’t have to worry about them biting, pulling, or growling at you. They’ll NEVER scare you, and you’ll feel safe with them living in your home.
They make great watchdogs as they’ll alert you to any sounds or strangers. This breed doesn’t bark a lot, so you don’t have to worry about them becoming a nuisance. Just don’t expect them to be guard dogs and protect you if a stranger enters your home.
#5 Sweet Temperament
Pugs are a friendly breed, which makes them well behaved around other pets and small children. They become attached to one person and their aim in life is to please their owner.
They are smart dogs and with the right training can become a great companion dog for 12-15 years.
How to Choose The Best Dog Breed for Seniors
Everyone is different and some seniors lead a more active lifestyle than others. It’s important to consider what you’re looking for in a dog. Here’s a list of the 25 of the best dog breeds for seniors on this website you can check out.
Once you’ve entered your golden years, you’ll want a dog that can fit your lifestyle. If you’ve had a Lab in your younger more active years, there’s a chance that you’ll want a smaller dog for your canine companion.
Make sure you do your due diligence because you don’t want to end up with the wrong dog. Worse, you don’t want to end up with an aggressive dog that hurts you.
If you’re adopting a or rescuing a Pug, it’s important to know their health history. Pugs are known for several health problems and their health history may tell you about any preexisting health conditions your dog may have.
Although, that isn’t always a guarantee that they won’t develop health issues in the future. While most Pugs won’t see a lot of health issues (Mindy didn’t have a lot) it may be worth looking into pug insurance to help offset those unexpected vet bills, especially, when you’re living on a fixed income.
Read this article to see the common health problems that affect pugs.
Bottom Line
The golden years can be lonely and a Pug can provide you the companionship you’re looking for. It’s the perfect small dog for single or elderly couples that are semi-active and don’t want a high energy dog.
That said, Pugs can be high-energy, but once a Pug becomes older, they will calm down quite a bit.
The pug is a great pet for all kinds of families, including families with older adults and young children. As long as you can provide your Pug with love and attention, she will be perfectly happy.
Related Articles On Researching and Getting A Pug
- Are Pugs Velcro Dogs?
- Do Pugs Need Another Dog Companion?
- Why Are Pugs So Popular?
- Do Pugs Make Great Pets for First Time Pet Owners?
References and Further Reading
Aging Care – The Healing Power of Pets for Seniors
AARP – 10 Reasons to Get A Dog When You’re Over 50
Elizz – Benefits of Companion Pets for Seniors